Album review: MIKE ROSS – Third Eye Open

Taller Records [Release date 28.04.23]

This latest album Mike Ross certainly hits the listener like the proverbial musical freight train. Joining Mike Ross (vocals, guitar, organ) on engine’s footplate are Derek Randall (vocals, bass) and Darren Lee (drums). Jack Hutchinson adds his vocals to a few songs on the album too, having shared a stage with Mike Ross.

As for the album’s lyrical driving force as Ross explains it is all about facing up to death – “So for me personally just comes down to “how are you going to face your death”? Do you wanna cower in fear, holding all your possessions and experiences at front of you like some kind of magic shield or do you wanna straight stride towards it saying “here’s my life motherf**ker – I dare you to tell me it’s not good enough”. One thing I can say for sure is that no amount of money, prestige, property or power is gonna keep you from your death so you best get in good shape to meet it.”

The opening one, two of ‘I Swear’ and ‘Cool Water’ certainly set the standards high. The latter is a sure fire radio staple complete with a tasty bit of organ backing. The eight minute title track has plenty of grit and passion both in the lyrics and singing. Sabbath like at times, this is Mike Ross in all his musical fury.

‘Born To Me’ lures you in with a gentle acoustic intro before some very nice slide riffs blast on in. Whereas ‘Face By Your Window’ features a touch of blues & country in the playing and sound. One things for sure, you can’t accuse Mike Ross of peddling the same riffs and ideas over and over!

The duet with Jess Hayes on ‘(Be With You) Tonight’ is a perfect piece of country rock balladry. That is part of this album’s strength in that it maybe over an hour in length, yet there is plenty of musical variety to be had, as the Black Crowes on ‘Ugly Brain’ attests. ‘The Preacher’ is another one that has an air of the Black Crowes and the Answer about it, although Mike Ross stamps his own sound onto this fine rocker.

The album rides out on a high with the glorious guitar workout that is ‘Kicks Like A Mule’.

Don’t let this one pass you by as it is a real musical treat for anyone who loves a bit of blues, rock and country. Fantastic effort. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)